Celebrity Health "Experts"

[troutman]

http://chealth.canoe.ca/columns.asp?...rticleid=31611

Should celebrities have the spotlight when it comes to talking about health? More and more of them are promoting theories or cures that make no scientific sense and that can hurt millions of consumers.

When celebrities give opinions about causes of disease, cures, or diets, their opinion goes worldwide within seconds: "It gets public attention and appears in every related Google search for months. If it's scientifically wrong, we're stuck with the fallout from that."

The organization which promotes good science and evidence in public debates slammed supermodel Naomi Campbell and actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore for their "cleansing" diet of maple syrup, lemon and pepper; criticized singer Olivia Newton-John for her dubious theory of how taking digestive enzymes boosts her immune system; and cited David Beckham and soon-to-be princess Kate Middleton for wearing hologram-embedded silicone bracelets which falsely claim to improve energy and fitness. The strangest celebrity health claim, however, came from cage fighter Alex Reid, whose tips for preparing for a fight included "reabsorbing" his "supersperm" for what he believed was their nutritional value. Hokey - and delusional.

Sense About Science (SAS), found at www.senseaboutscience.org.uk. When you hear a celebrity say "chemical free" or "detox" or they claim to have exercise shortcuts or immune-boosting secrets, remember the following, says the SAS:

Nothing is chemical free: Everything is made of chemicals, it's just a case of which ones.

Detox is a marketing myth: Our body does it without pricey potions and detox diets.

There's no need to "boost": Bodily functions occur without "boosting."

Energy and fitness come from food and exercise: There are no shortcuts